Wingless, book 1 of Wingless Series

Late night

It's dark when Kenny's car pulls down the long driveway of Carlo's house. My first visit wasn't fun and I'm reluctant to step inside again.

Kenny gets out and stretches. Ari isn't as eager to be there. I consider pretending to sleep before I get out.

The house is dark, and Carlo is at the door waiting for us. He puffs on his cigar, leaning against the door frame. "Well, look who we have here," he says. "Everyone have a safe trip?"

"It was fine," I say, looking away.

Evan wraps his arm around me; Carlo notices his protectiveness. We go into the den; it has a cabin like feel, brick fireplace, dark woods and a big bear rug in the middle of the floor.

"Let's all have a seat," he says, sitting down. He leans back in the leather recliner, resting his hands behind his head.

I sit down as soon as Evan does. We interlock our hands and he squeezes mine.

"Kenny, why don't you and Ari take a stroll outside. I have something to talk to your brother about," he says, waiting for them to leave.

And they are gone just like that. I'm sure relieved to be out from under the microscope. I look at Evan, wondering why he's left to deal with his father when Kenny was the one who screwed things up.

"So, how are things going?" he asks.

"Things are fine," Evan replies, short and to the point.

"Eve, I feel we got off on the wrong foot." He blows a ring of smoke out of his mouth. "I think you're a great girl and I am happy with whatever decision you and my son make."

I watch the smoke float. "Thank you."

"I have two more children and they all know how I feel about relationships. I have taught my children to take falling in love very seriously." He smirks.

"Okay, well, that's no problem," I say running a hand through my hair. This man thinks he's allowed to dictate what Evan and I do.

Evan squeezes my hand. I pull away, not listening to his warning.

"Dad, I don't know how else to put it. I'm really happy with Eve," he assures him.

"And out of all of my kids, you're the one I have the most faith in. You're honest, Evan, and I would like to think you're doing the right thing, but one can never be sure." Smoke billows out of his mouth as he talks.

"And I appreciate it," he says. I nod my head in support. The least I can do is try to help Evan out.

"As long as Eve understand what dating someone like you involves."

"What does that matter?" I ask, licking my lips. "I thought if two people cared about each other that was all that mattered."

"In a human world. Evan is more than a human, we both know this. A relationship can make things difficult. He needs to remain focused at all times," Carlo says.

I roll my eyes. And Evan seems even more nervous. "I don't plan on hurting your son."

"Many people don't choose to argue with me." He frowns.

"Dad, she is new to all of this, don't take it personal," Evan says, protecting me like he always does.

"I understand, and Ari and I have had the same talk. Your decision to be together affects the family, and if this relationship fails, it's not going to be good for either one of you, or for us. I trust you two to hold up your end of the deal. You want to be together, be together. Don't screw it up."

Evan nods.

I don't say anything.

"I'm the father of a rare kind and this is how it has to be. I hope you understand, if not right now, then later on." He looks at me, waiting for some sort of white flag.

I'm not in the mood to argue with this man, so I do the one thing I know to charm a snake. "Absolutely. And I really appreciate you going through the trouble of letting me know," I say, offering a big smile.

Sometimes being who I am works in the toughest situations. For once I am happy my family showed me how to put on a happy face and fake it.

Carlo leans back, smiling at the two of us, he thinks he won.

"Kenny!" Carlo says, finally someone is going to give it to Kenny and I can't wait to see it.

Kenny appears in the doorway followed by Ari. She sits next to Kenny.

"Tell me how things have been," Carlo insists.

"I messed up. I don't know why. I wasn't thinking... I don't know." Kenny shrugs halfheartedly.

"But it's done?" he ask the two of them.

"Yeah, it's done. Not like I wanted, but it's done," Evan says.

"Anymore travel, I would prefer you do it alone, just you and Kenny. I don't know what the issue was, but I'm not happy about it. We don't ever overstep our boundaries. I've got to fix things now. You understand?" he says.

Kenny nods, standing up.

Carlo still makes it a point to hug both of his boys. I can see the bond, it's evident. And I understand why Evan is always working so hard to keep him happy. They have a connection.

Carlo takes my hand, and kisses me on the cheek. "Welcome to my family, Eve."

"Thank you," I say, offering a smile that feels real and not forced this time.